Matthew McConaughey Says It's Not "Alright, Alright, Alright" for AI to Misuse His Voice
Matthew McConaughey has secured eight U.S. trademarks on his famous catchphrases, including a sound mark for "Alright, alright, alright" from "Dazed and Confused." The trademark defines the specific pitch and intonation of the phrase, aiming to prevent unauthorized use, especially by AI-generated content that mimics his voice or likeness. These trademarks, registered to McConaughey's J.K. Livin Brands Inc., cover both audio and video, including his signature "Just keep livin', right? I mean." Legal protection grants McConaughey the ability to sue in federal court, acting as a deterrent against misuse as AI technologies advance. This move comes as Hollywood debates the permissible limits of AI in entertainment, with some advocating strict controls and others embracing AI under controlled, licensed terms. Notably, McConaughey himself has partnered with AI company ElevenLabs for licensed, AI-generated Spanish versions of his newsletter. His stance differentiates between unapproved, unauthorized AI use—which he seeks to block—and collaborative, licensed projects.
